19 August 2026 | Igwe’s Palace, Okpuno, Awka South LGA, Anambra State
At the grassroots, efforts to prevent Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cannot succeed through awareness alone. Sustainable change also requires engaging the institutions and leaders that influence culture, shape community values and determine how disputes and social issues are addressed.
On 19 August 2026, the Male Feminists Network (MFN) undertook a high-level advocacy visit to HRM Igwe Engr. Simon Okafor (Ogene Okpuno) at the Igwe’s Palace, Okpuno, Awka South LGA, Anambra State. The engagement was led by Dr. Kelechukwu Okezie, Executive Director of NEW Foundation and MFN South-East Implementer.
The advocacy conversation focused on an important development concern: how harmful gender norms and practices can continue to affect women, families and communities when they are not actively challenged. As custodians of culture and community values, traditional leaders occupy a strategic position in addressing this challenge. Their decisions, pronouncements and leadership can either reinforce existing norms or create space for fairness, justice and positive change.
The MFN therefore engaged the Igwe on the responsibility of traditional leadership to promote fairness and justice in matters affecting women and families; challenge cultural practices and norms that contribute to discrimination and violence; strengthen community-level responses to Gender-Based Violence; encourage men to take responsibility for preventing violence and promoting respectful relationships; and use traditional structures and influence to promote values that protect the dignity and rights of all community members.
The engagement also built on an important existing strength: HRM Igwe Engr. Simon Okafor is already a recognised advocate against GBV and has participated in several GBV-related engagements. His existing commitment created an opportunity not only to share the MFN vision but also to explore how his leadership and influence can be leveraged to strengthen GBV prevention within the community.
The Igwe expressed his support for the Male Feminists Network and pledged his commitment to the shared goal of preventing GBV and promoting gender justice. This commitment creates a pathway for continued engagement with traditional leadership as a key stakeholder in shaping community values, influencing behaviour and strengthening local responses to Gender-Based Violence.
For MFN, the objective is clear: identify influential structures, build their ownership of the issue, strengthen their capacity to respond, and connect leadership commitment to meaningful action at the grassroots.
Sustainable community development requires more than identifying problems. It requires leaders, institutions and citizens working together to change the conditions that allow those problems to persist.
When custodians of culture choose justice, culture itself can become a force for protecting dignity, promoting equality and preventing violence.
